Raising a child with autism can have its own set of complications, but raising a nonverbal, autistic child is a whole different challenge. For the Melo Family, it means raising a son and brother, who can never fully express his pain, needs, or frustrations. To help with Felipe Melo’s complications, his family has built a system of caretakers, who have worked with him to improve his communication skills. But even with this success, there’s no guarantee it will be a lasting solution.

Produced in partnership with students from the University of Miami.